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Griffin is a young para athlete with big dreams. Training, travelling and specialised equipment are all big costs to get to the Paralympics.

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<h1>Griffin Angelatos – Defying Limits, Chasing Green &amp; Gold</h1>At just 14 years old, Griffin Angelatos’ life changed in an instant.Following a serious accident, Griffin lost his left foot—an event that could have ended a young athlete’s dreams before they had even begun. But instead of stepping back, Griffin chose to step forward.Within months, he found a new direction on the water. <h2>A New Beginning in a New Sport</h2>Griffin’s journey into kayaking began through Australia’s Future Green and Gold talent pathway, where his natural ability and determination quickly stood out. With the support of coaches and high-performance programs in Western Australia, he transitioned into paracanoe—one of the most physically demanding and technically challenging sports.What makes Griffin’s story remarkable is not just how far he has come, but how quickly he has done it.Despite being new to the sport, Griffin has already:<ul><li>Won gold in the national Para K1 500m event</li><li>Secured multiple medals at his first national championships</li><li>Competed across both para and able-bodied events, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and drive</li><li>Represented Australia as an U16 at the Asia Pacific Canoe Sprint competition in New Zealand</li></ul> <h2>Turning Adversity into Strength</h2>Griffin’s journey hasn’t been easy.Learning to paddle with a prosthetic, adapting to balance and technique, and building the strength required for elite competition have all been part of the challenge. With support from the Australian Institute of Sport, even his equipment has had to evolve—moving from improvised solutions to a purpose-built prosthetic designed specifically for performance.Yet through every obstacle, Griffin has shown resilience beyond his years.His attitude is simple:<blockquote>“Just have a go. Embrace the challenge—it can be really rewarding.” </blockquote><h2>More Than an Athlete</h2>Griffin is already inspiring those around him.Whether it’s pushing through a marathon portage with crutches waiting on the sidelines, or competing head-to-head against able-bodied athletes, he is proving that limits are there to be challenged—not accepted.His story is not just about performance—it’s about possibility. <h2>Eyes on the Future</h2>Griffin’s ambitions are clear:<ul><li>2027 Para Canoe World Championships</li><li>Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games</li><li>Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games</li></ul>He is part of a new generation of Australian athletes being developed to compete on the world stage—and he is already ahead of the curve. <h2>Why Support Matters</h2>Support through the Australian Sports Foundation will help Griffin:<ul><li>Access elite coaching and training environments</li><li>Continue developing specialised equipment and prosthetics</li><li>Travel to national and international competitions</li><li>Maximise his progression through Australia’s high-performance pathway</li></ul>Every contribution plays a direct role in turning potential into performance. Funding for sport, especially para sports that are not mainstream sports, is not big business. Majority of costs are worn by the athlete which is why additional funding is crucial to reach goals. <h2>Be Part of the Journey</h2>Griffin Angelatos is not just chasing medals—he’s redefining what’s possible for young athletes in Australia.With the right support behind him, there is no limit to how far he can go.Your support can help take him there.

Griffin's Paralympic Dream